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Veterinarians are key to rabies eradication

Veterinarians play the most important role in protecting domestic animals, and the general public, from rabies. Most pets that die of rabies were never vaccinated against rabies or did not receive the appropriate booster dose of vaccine in a timely manner. Most people that die of rabies did not understand the necessary steps to prevent rabies and did not seek appropriate medical treatment after they were exposed. Clearly, education and vaccination are the cornerstone of rabies prevention in the United States and worldwide.

Deborah J. Briggs, MS, PhD

World Rabies Day serves as a platform to deliver these life-saving messages. Since 2007, the campaign has helped educate an estimated 55 million people and vaccinate more than 1.5 million animals. World Rabies Day is evidence that a large percentage of human and animal rabies deaths can be prevented simply through appropriate educational messages and regular vaccination of domestic animals.

Peter J. Costa, MPH, CHES

Veterinarians hold the key to protecting domestic animals and the general public from rabies. They can help save lives by educating clients about rabies prevention, working cooperatively with local animal health agencies, serving as expert resources on responsible pet ownership, and spreading the message about the importance of vaccinating all dogs, cats, and ferrets against rabies.